C. E. JONES, prominently connected for the last twelve years, as division road master between Bushnell, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, of the St. Louis division of the Quincy Railroad, with headquarters at Beardstown, was born on a farm near Baldwinsville, New York, February 11, 1847. He was there reared and educated, becoming early acquainted with hard work. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the Scott's Nine Hundred Cavalry, but before he reached the front he was overtaken by his father, and compelled to return home. In 1863, he enlisted in Nine Hundred of New York State Militia, and served until July, 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth New York Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Jennings and Captain O. K. Howard, commanding, and this regiment was assigned to First Division of the Fifth Army Corps. He fought as a brave soldier at Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, Weldon and Quaker roads and Five Forks; was in pursuit of Lee, and was at Lee's surrender at Appomattox, where his company lost their First Lieutenant, the last man killed of the Army of the Potomac, and, later he participated in the grand review at Washington District of Columbia. He had many narrow escapes from capture and wounds, especially while serving as a scout for General Chamberlain, and for the period of nine months his was one of the fighting regiments of the war. He was one of the first to obtain a piece of the famous apple tree at Appomattox Court House, where Lee held his last consultation with his staff and decided to surrender. He is honestly proud of his military record, and was honorable discharged June 11, 1865.
His connection with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad system began in 1867, and after a period of two years' service with the bridge department, with headquarters at Galesburg, he helped in the construction of the large railroad bridges over the Mississippi river at Burlington, Quincy and Hannibal, Missouri. He was also engaged between Hannibal and Moberly, Missouri. Later he was assistant track layer for the new road, then known as the Hannibal and Naples, now part of the Wabash system. All these years he has proven himself a good man, and his promotion has been won by his own efforts. He helped built what is known as the Louisiana branch of the Q. system, and after the completion of that road he became section foreman, and later extra gang foreman, which is on line of regular promotion, and after nine years was promoted to assistant road master of the St. Louis division, with headquarters at Beardstown. Two years later he became roadmaster from Bushnell to St. Louis. He now has control of 136 miles of track with two yards, thus putting him over a large number of men. Since May, 1880 he has been the Q. road-master, and has achieved a just prominence by his indomitable energy and devotion to the interests of the company. He is a good citizen, and a leader in all local and public matters.
For several years he has been a working member of McLane Post, No. 97, G.A.R., of Beardstown, of which he is now Past Commander. He is also a member of the Beardstown Lodge, K. of P., No. 207, and was a charter member and the first Chancellor Commander, serving for three terms, and is now Deputy Grand Master of the district, and has taken an active part in all its work, and he is a member of the orders of Woodmen and Workmen. He is also active in local politics, is Chairman of the Republican Central Committee, and has been a member of the Board of Education. He belongs to the Roadmasters' Association of America, is an ex-Vice President of it, and is a member of the Executive Board.
He was married in Quincy, Illinois, to Almira E. Stedman, of Pike County, formerly of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. She was only twelve years old when her parents came to Illinois, and she grew up in Pike county. Their living children are: Bertha, Anna, Althea, Ray and Almira Edrie.